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Artist Bio:

Andrei Pushkarev was born in 1974 in Kiev. By age 14 he started studying percussion instruments. In 1992 Andrei Pushkarev became a student of Kiev Tchaikovsky National Conservatory, where he continued his professional development with Prof. Alexander Blinov. In 1995 as solo vibraphonist he awards First Prize in the newly established New Names of Ukraine competition at which Andrei also performs his own musical compositions. In 1996 Pushkarev wins the competition to the Kiev Philharmonic Orchestra as a main timpanist. Starting 1999 Andrei Pushkarev joins the chamber orchestra Kremerata Baltica (artistic leader Gidon Kremer), which he still is a member. He has participated in concerts around the world. He as well participated in numerous recordings as a member of the ensemble on labels such as Nonesuch, Deutsche Grammophon.ECM etc. As a solo timpanist he can be heard on the CD release “After Mozart” which in 2001 received a Grammy Award in the U.S. and as well the Echo Award in Germany in 2002. Since this time he has as well made many arrangements for vibraphone and violin solo with and without chamber orchestra. Together with Gidon Kremer and Kremerata Baltica he toured around the world, performing in numerous concert halls all around the world, including the Carnegie hall in New York, Albert hall in London, in the Musikverein and Konzerthaus in Vienna, Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and so on. In 2004 he recorded the cycle “Bach vibrations” – improvisations on 15 two parts inventions by J. S. Bach. This CD, released by the Austrian “Gramola” label was recently mentioned by the Deutsche Schallplattenkritik Bestenliste, as one of the discoveries of the year. Andrei Pushkarev has performed with such musicians like Yo Yo Ma, Martha Argerich, Vadim Repin, Julian Rachlin, Gabriela Montero, Didier Lockwood, Michel Portal, Mario Brunello, Peter Sadlo, David Friedman, Gabor Boldoszki. In 2004 as solo vibraphonist he was awarded the Prize from foundation “Pro Europe”. In 2005 Andrei did a world duo-tour with Gidon Kremer. Since 2009 Andrei Pushkarev has regularly given Masterclasses all around the world (South America, Europe and Australia). He has served as a jury member in numerous International percussion competitions such as TROMP percussion competition (Holland, 2010), International PAS Competition (Italy, 2011 and 2012) etc. In 2010 together with Gidon Kremer and Argentinean bandoneonist Dino Saluzzi Andrei recorded “Themes from the Songbook” – music from cinema and theater by Georgian composer Giya Kancheli. In October 2010 this CD was released by ECM Records. Since 2013 Andrei Pushkarev is endorser and the official performer of “Majestic Percussion” and “Innovative Percussion”. Meanwhile, Andrei composes many arrangements for orchestras and different chamber squads featuring world famous musicians. Furthermore, he creates his own works.